Lowell W. Bennes

Lowell's Memorial Service at 3 PM will be livestreamed and recorded, if you are unable to be there in person. That can viewed right here on his obituary page by refreshing closer to the service time and scrolling down.  

Lowell W. Bennes, 84, of Moorhead, MN, passed away on Wednesday, August 28, 2024, in Sanford Medical Center, Fargo, ND.

Lowell Wayne Bennes was born on June 18, 1940, to Edwin and Cora (Nornes) Bennes, in Crookston, MN. Lowell grew up on a farm in Fertile, MN. He was a farm kid, who helped his father and uncle on the farm. He raised his own pigs and took them to the market, participated in many Polk County Fairs and was a member of Future Farmers of America. Growing up Lowell also played saxophone in the school band, where he developed a love for music. He graduated from high school in Fertile in 1958. 

After high school Lowell moved to Golden Valley, MN where he attended Lutheran Bible Institute for a year. He then moved to Moorhead where he attended Minnesota State, receiving his associates degree going on to receive his Certified Public Accountant degree.

On June 29, 1963, Lowell was united on marriage to Marlene Carol Bakken, at St. John’s Lutheran Church, Fargo. Together the two made their home in Moorhead, raising two sons, Eric and Christopher. Lowell and Marlene were married for 35 years before she passed away on January 22, 1999.

On October 14, 2000, Lowell was united in marriage to Sheryl Grohs, at St. John’s Lutheran Church, Fargo. They made their home together in Moorhead and spent many happy years together.

Before Lowell’s sons were born, he spent six years serving in the Army National Guard of Minnesota. He then went on to work for Tollefson Accounting for many years. On January 1, 1997, Lowell started his own accounting firm, Bennes Accounting. He spent over 60 years working as an accountant before he retired on December 31, 2023.

Lowell was an active member of Kiwanis club for 49 years, the American Legion, in Moorhead for 13 years. He was also a member of Great Plains Harmony Men’s Acapella group (both on the local level and district level) for 55 years. He enjoyed running the Barbershop contests for most of those 55 years. He was also a member at St. John’s Lutheran Church, where he was a big part of the choir. He enjoyed cooking for events for of the Kiwanis organization and Moorhead American Legion. He was also a big supporter of the Moorhead Spuds and was always a Moorhead Spud Booster. Lowell always stayed busy with activities, but what he really enjoyed about them was the socializing aspect they all came with.

Lowell spent most summers at Strawberry Lake (Woodland Trails Resort), in Minnesota. He enjoyed fishing, cooking and especially hosting campfires for friends and family at the lake. Lowell was a jack of all trades who could fix anything. He also loved traveling to warmer places (He was always cold!) with friends and family. Mexico was among his favorite places to travel. When his sons were younger, they took many family trips camping and to various lakes during the summers. Lowell loved spending time with his friends and family, and they will miss him.

Lowell is survived by his wife, Sheryl; sons Eric (Karena Beuter) and Christopher (Julie); grandson, Bjorn; sister, Gayle Nieman; mother-in-law, Shirley Grohs; brothers-in-law, Albert (Marcie) Grohs Jr., Ken (Cindy) Grohs, and Duane (Lori) Grohs. He is also survived by his first wife Marlene’s siblings, Myles (Shirley) Bakken, and Cheryl Harms; and many nieces, nephews, and cousins.

He is preceded in death by his first wife, Marlene; his parents, Edwin and Cora; father-in-law, Albert Grohs Sr.; and brother-in-law, Edward Nieman.

Lowell’s Memorial Service will be held on Saturday, September 21, 2024, at 3 PM, in Korsmo Funeral and Cremation Service, with a visitation one hour prior. Military Honors and a Celebration of Life will be held at 4:30 PM in the American Legion, Moorhead.

In Lieu of flowers, please make donations to Moorhead American Legion or Kiwanis Club.